Greater Government 'ambition' needed in developing wool industry
The INHFA has called for a significant increase in support for the Irish Grown Wool Council, which was formally established last April.
Government "needs to show ambition" in developing a wool industry, according to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).
The INHFA has called for a significant increase in support for the Irish Grown Wool Council, which was formally established last April.
Speaking on this, INHFA national chairman Pheilim Molloy outlined how the current funding of €30,000 towards the council is "totally inadequate", and detailed the need for funding of "up to €1m to support, research and develop the necessary infrastructure to drive the industry on".
In developing a future for the woollen industry, it is "vital that we recognise the enormous potential there is for natural products such as wool, especially in the textile and garment industry as the need for a viable alternative to synthetic fibres increases," Mr Molloy said.
"Currently the textile and garment sector is contributing close to 10% of global carbon emissions while also adding to the growing levels of microplastics.
"These emissions are seen through the entire life-cycle of the garment from production through to disposal and while there is a recognition around the need to address this, progress is very slow."
As cabinet moves to finalise the Budget 2024, Mr Molloy stressed that "the Government needs to show greater ambition in developing a woollen industry".
Beyond the call for increased funding, Mr Molloy also outlined how the possibility of a levy on synthetic fibres should be explored.
"This could be ring-fenced to support the development of natural wool-based alternatives and clearly such a levy would have to be across all EU member states," he said.
While such a levy "may seem radical", the INHFA leader pointed to similar levies across many sectors including energy and agriculture and detailed how "all sectors of the global economy will be required to make the necessary contributions in order to meet the challenges posed by climate change".
